IT Service Provider for Your Data Network-Local to: Forest Park, IL

Are You Tired of Being Left in the Dark? You Deserve a True IT PARTNER!

Managed IT Services -Forest-Park, IL 60130

It's not enough for your Office IT support to simply keep up with your organization. A true IT partner needs to constantly stay ahead of issues and your expanding needs with:

proactive monitoring,

top-line equipment, and

super-responsive, experienced remote and in-office tech staff.

But a GREAT IT partner can go the extra mile with:

A dedicated tech and account management team assigned to YOUR organization for your professional lifetime with us. While any member of our top-notch staff can service your account in a pinch, having an assigned support team—what we call an Andromeda C-CATSM—that is already familiar with your systems day-to-day and year-to-year means faster, more efficient fixes, upgrades, and service in general. This will ultimately save you a lot of money and frustrations by avoiding work done almost right (by someone not familiar with your system and detailed needs) that then requires "touch ups" and do-overs.

What Is An Andromeda C‑CAT?

A C‑CAT (Client-Centric Action Team) is a dedicated team that includes a Monitor Tech, Level 3 IT Tech, and Level 2 IT Tech whose activities are curated by an Account Coordinator(AC)—each specifically appointed to service your organization. With cat-like reflexes and precision, your Andromeda C-CAT will pounce on any IT issue, upgrade, or project. It's really the cat's meow for your IT needs!)

But just as importantly, you'll always know who to call by name and recognize the Andromeda tech who knocks at your door. After all, you wouldn't like to go to your doctor office and say "aaah" for a different person each time—no matter how professional and competent they are. We consider your server/data network to be just as personal (and critically important) to your organization.

NO Lock-In contracts! What's OUR position on long-term binding service contracts? Cancellation fees? We say, "Phooey!" You should WANT to stay with your IT service; not feel obligated to! We always provide flexible month-to-month cancellation options in our long-term contracts!

Proactive Communication: Never be in the dark again—whether it's status updates for a long-term project, one-time issue, tech arrival for a field visit, or even invoicing/billing details. It is our pledge to contact you with updates/information you need BEFORE any wonder or worry distracts you from your own work to the point of having to contact us about it.

As a premier Business IT Managed Services provider, Andromeda specializes in protecting and safeguarding your data. We will work
with you to make sure all your network gear meets your needs…

…and your budget!

In an MSP role, Andromeda offers a range of service plans—anything from month-to-month "time & materials" based assistance to fixed service contracts that permit "no-brainer" conformance to an annual budget.
We even offer V.I.P. plans which permit you to "jump the queue" for HelpDesk and remote technical support assignments! Beyond the functions you would expect from a full-service MSP:

...Andromeda can offer so much more: a single, expert source for a full range of
physical security systems which can (and should) freely interact with your data network:

Telephone systems—both hosted VoIP and traditional on-premises

Building/Door Access Control

Security Camera Systems and Video Surveillance

Burglar Alarm System Installation & Monitoring

So, not only can we provide professional service for the full gamut of physical security needs of your growing organization, we are uniquely positioned to integrate those systems with any elements of your data and voice network. It is this integration that extracts the full power and usefulness of these systems for your organization.

Because Andromeda Technology Solutions is a complete service company, we
provide support for every aspect of your computer system and IT network:

But our job doesn't stop there. Once your network is operational, we can continue
to support you with preventive maintenance packages, innovative approaches to
data backup, virus and Malware control, and anti-spam solutions.

Please contact us or fill out a
New Contact form on this page to have an Account Manager
contact you regarding the many ways we can assist you with your IT/computer networking needs.

Having a solid network infrastructure is critical to keeping your systems running
well and with minimal downtime. Truly, a $20 network switch from the retail store
down the street or the guy you know that "does some wiring on the side" is not
going to get you where you need to be. Neither are onsite-only or Cloud-only backup solutions!

Knowing that IT network wiring and
switches are the vital backbones of your operation, Andromeda employs only
experienced technicians and uses only business-class networking gear:

HP network switches • Cisco routers • Sonicwall & Netgear firewalls

There are many ways to connect remote workers and offices, and each has
advantages and disadvantages. We will work with you to understand your
exact needs and select the method that best suits those needs.

We specialize in extending your network beyond the four walls of your main
office. This might include remote or branch offices, mobile employees or remote
access from your house for voice, video, file sharing and much more!

Wireless Networks

Wireless IT networks are quite popular and are fast becoming indispensible. However,
they generally cannot achieve the same level of performance as traditional wired
networks where security, reliability, and bandwidth are of premium importance.
Still, a wireless network is a great solution for a few roaming laptops or tablet PCs
overlaying your wired office areas. To overcome the potential shortcomings of
wireless, we use HP and Cisco Wireless Access Points, and we can guide you through
the do’s and don’ts of implementing a wireless network to avoid the pitfalls.

Whether you are adding a few offices or doing an entire build-out from the ground
up, Andromeda Technology Solutions can help. We can provide infrastructure wiring
for your voice, data, TV, cameras, overhead paging, etc. Having one company to
handle all your wiring needs eliminates trying to coordinate vendors, minimizes labor
overlap, and decreases cost.

We are also available to assist in the design of your wiring. While architects generally
do a good job with this layout, we have a unique real-world approach that tends to
be more in line with what is actually needed for a working office. Involving us early
in the process will minimize the chance of having to run additional wires after your
construction is complete…when it's much more expensive to install!

"Commodity" web and email hosting seem like great solutions…until they go down
OR you need to add a new account OR remove an ex-employee's access OR countless
other items that need attention more regularly than you initially imagined. Ideally,
your IT service that performs these functions for you should also host your web and
email accounts to avoid delays, transfer issues, and any number of other potential
mishaps. Andromeda is pleased to offer comprehensive hosting plans to do just that.
Through our plans, you can also choose additional premium services like website hit
tracking and statistics reporting.

Andromeda is also pleased to provide web design services—anything from simple
informational sites to complete new site designs featuring animation/video, multi-tiered
navigation, database-backed forms and social media interaction. We also have proven
expertise in the art of SEO (Search Engine Optimization)—a "must" for any company that
needs to generate new business leads from its on-line presence!

AndroPedia Tech Library

As part of our service, it is important to keep our client-partners well informed on IT developments, news, and best practices. Here is just a sampling of typical items from our AndroPediaSM library archive:

When you think of data encryption, you might imagine top-secret files and espionage. Historically, militaries and governments protected messages and sensitive information using encryption. These days encryption has many more uses. And with hackers and cyber criminals constantly after your data, it is important that you make use of this security measure.

Encryption is defined as scrambling data or text to make it unreadable. This protects stored data and personal information from displaying to those without a proper clearance or key to decode that information. There are all kinds of pieces of information you have on file that a disgruntled employee or criminal could make use of:

Home addresses

Email Addresses

Drivers Licenses

Credit Card information

Social Security Numbers

Date of birth

Medical history or records

Financial information – routing numbers, account numbers etc.

Depending on your industry, this information may be subject to state and federal regulation, hefty fines and, in cases of negligence, even jailtime (we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars). Businesses close their doors over this stuff.

While employee training and proper cyber protocols are great at protecting you and your business from user error and data breach – encryption is an added layer of security every business benefits from.

Encryption Saves Your Reputation – More and more employees are working on the go in 2017. With employees working from home, sales staff in the field and the hustle and bustle of every day, you don’t want to hold your employees back or decrease productivity by preventing devices from leaving the office. But imagine your employee runs into the neighborhood Starbucks and leaves their company laptop in their front seat. While they are ordering their venti latte, a criminal breaks into their car and steals their belongings – your laptop included. Now you’re out the hardware but more importantly, you have a criminal at large with sensitive data. If this data has any sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) on it, you are required to report the incident. Do you want your customers losing valuable trust in your company? In fact, this fear of reputational damage is the reason that three out of every four victims to ransomware, data breach or cyber-attack do not report the incident. Think back to 2013 when 41 million people found out Target compromised their sensitive data. You’d probably think twice about shopping there again if you were one of them. If the stolen laptop had been encrypted, you wouldn’t have to report an incident. The criminal would have no way of deciphering data on the equipment.

Encryption Keeps Designated Information Private– Let’s bring this example back into your office for a moment. Even if you don’t keep sensitive customer information on file or process credit cards. You have personal information for employees on file: Performance reviews, social security numbers, salary information and more. You don’t need a hacker or even a disgruntled employee gaining access to these records. With encryption you can ensure that even if an employee accidentally or intentionally stumbles into an area they shouldn’t be, they can’t make sense of any of that information.

Encryption Can Save You From The Unexpected – Whether a device goes missing from the office, is stolen from a front seat or possibly snatched by a disgruntled employee, you can’t have sensitive information at large. Your reputation aside, as mentioned earlier, these types of breaches can result in very large fines, prosecution and years in prison. Nobody needs that on their mind every night. With encryption you can rest easy that even in the wrong hands, your data can’t be manipulated or exposed. To take this a step further, certain encryption management tools have the ability to remotely disable and even wipe devices. This comes in handy in all of the examples we have described. So now, not only is the information on your device useless, but after your IT company takes necessary steps, the device shows nothing but the “blue screen of death”.

Encryption is a powerful tool. It is an incredibly useful and we would say necessary piece of your cyber security and data protection plan. It is important that you protect sensitive information. Even if you don’t want to believe it, there are criminals and people out there that would wreak havoc with that data if given the chance.

For more information on our encryption software and other cyber security training, protocols and plans, give us a call at (815) 836-0030.

And be sure to click here and explore our Unlimited Security Training Program. Over 80% of data breaches are a result of human error and the first step to prevention is education.

Mention this blog and receive 50% off your first annual subscription.

The post 3 Ways Data Encryption Can Save You From Unnecessary Stress, Spending & Headaches appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Stop These 3 Hazardous File Sharing Habits Yesterday!Mar 06, 2017

File sharing is an essential portion of any business. It is the way we get information from one person to another. BUT, it can also be the way hackers gain access to your sensitive information – files or, worst of all, confidential data.

If you’re using Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, or other consumer-grade file sharing and cloud sync applications – or if you depend on file sharing of any kind to run your business (hint . . . you do)- listen up!

Here are 3 habits you should break yourself and your staff of immediately.

Top 3 File Sharing Habits to Break

1) Using Consumer Grade Solutions . . .

Consumer grade solutions are just that . . . consumer grade. You aren’t a ‘consumer’, you’re a business owner with sensitive data to protect. With more and more employees/businesses depending on BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) as well as the ability to access files any time & any place, it is important that your file sharing system is professional grade. Look for enterprise grade security options like SSL Encrypted Transfer, Firewall Protection, Password Protection and Virus Scanning.

2) Emailing Files Without Proper Encryption . . .

You may not care if a hacker gets a hold of your grocery list or photos of the family dog, but when it comes to confidential data such as financial statements, medical records or other sensitive materials, it is safe to say you cannot afford criminals sniffing through your files. For this reason, NEVER send files via email without proper encryption. Business grade email and proper practices can nip this in the butt. You’d be amazed how many files fall into the laps of cyber criminals this way though.

3) Using Flash Drives…

You spend time and hard earned resources to protect your network from outside threats . . . only to destroy everything when you innocently plug in an infected flash drive you picked up innocuously enough at a trade show. Flash drives bypass security systems you have in place and may run automatically without being checked for infection by your antivirus solution. If you must continue using flash drives . . . at a minimum update your antivirus to prohibit autorun and mandate scans to all USB-attached devices when plugged into your PCs.

The post Stop These 3 Hazardous File Sharing Habits Yesterday! appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

Electronic Health Record Company “Allscripts” Hit By RansomwareFeb 07, 2018

Another day, another high-profile ransomware attack.� This time, the victim was Allscripts, an EHR (Electronic Health Record) company that hospitals, pharmacies, and ambulatory centers around the country rely on.

The company's data was thought to be safe on the cloud, but that proved not to be the case. Disruptions of services were felt by Allscripts clients around the country.

At this point, reports are sketchy, incomplete, and in many cases, contradictory.� According to Allscripts, the attack only impacted "a limited number" of applications, and that they were working to restore them.� The company's statement continued with, "most importantly, to ensure our clients' data is protected.� Although our investigation is ongoing, there is currently no evidence that any data has been removed from our systems.� We regret any inconvenience caused by this temporary outage."

According to Twitter, where many of Allscripts' customers have been talking about the issue, the problem goes much deeper. Some clients reported an inability to access critical patient data now stretching into its third day, with predictable impacts on health care delivery.

To complicate matters further, some heath care providers preemptively disconnected from Allscripts servers in a bid to protect their own networks.� Northwell Health, based out of New York, is an example.

In any case, as of the time of the writing of this piece, most, but not all of the disrupted services seem to have been restored. You can bet, based on the contradictory information surrounding the attack, that Allscripts' handling of the incident will be discussed for a long while to come. �This will probably filed under "how not to handle a ransomware attack."

The company's communication was spotty and their business continuity plan seems to have failed them.� There are lessons here for all business owners.� Take heed.

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Executive Summary

We have extensive experience in all aspects of networking:

Managed IT Services Support in Chicagoland

Computer LANs

Computer WANs

Computer VPNs

Computer Network Switches

Data Backup/Business Continuity

Data Network and Voice Wiring

Wireless Networks

Remote Access

Multiple Locations

VoIP

Web/Email Hosting

We can implement and maintain every part of your business network.

If you need:

Managed IT Services Support in Forest Park, IL (60130)

Data Network Setups & Cloud Services in Chicagoland

Computer Networking in Forest-Park, IL 60130

IT Tech Support in Forest Park, IL (60130)

Install Servers, Firewalls, Data Security in Forest-Park, IL 60130

Internet Network Setup in Chicagoland

Firewall Network Security in Illinois

Remote Office data networks in Forest Park, IL (60130)

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Our Mission

To provide our customers with exceptional service.

To be a full service organization specializing in the technology needs of businesses.

To provide both equipment and service, so our customers need only make one call to get their job done.